Tri Sigma Blog The official blog of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority

Our Dunham Women of Character Institute is supported and enhanced by our fantastic mentors. Tri Sigma makes the intentional choice to partner a group of women with two older mentors who help guide the Dunham experience.

Callie Glen, Alpha – Longwood, was a mentor who experienced a number of normal emotions as she prepared for Dunham. Let’s hear her perspective as a recent graduate and emerging student affairs professional.

The Dunham 2012 Group Photo

I am the first to admit that I am in TOTAL denial that I am an alumna.  I graduated in August from Longwood University with my bachelors and really didn’t know what was next professionally or personally.  Luckily I had the opportunity to be involved with Officer Academies and the Characters Counts! Committee as an undergraduate so I knew involvement in alumnae life was always a possibility with Tri-Sigma.  To be blunt, alumnae involvement was never a question but an expectation I set for myself.  My participation in Dunham as a Coach this year and as a new professional in the field of Student Affairs, coupled together nicely.  For me, the facilitation and mentor position at Dunham allowed me practice what I study in the classroom as well as a great way to embrace life in the circle degree.

Going into the Coach experience was I intimidated by other alumnae with a vast array of knowledge & experience of Sigma on a national levelYUP! Was I worried I was not qualified to properly coach the women on content of resume building and ritual? HECK YEA! Did I struggle with the idea that I can’t donate to the Foundation as much as other women? ABSOLUTELY! At the end of the weekend did I feel like I was a successful coach, contributed 110% and sent members of our sisterhood home with a better understanding of the benefits of sorority life?YOU BETCHA!

Callie Glen and Emmy Smith at Dunham

I’m not going to sugar coat it at all, being a volunteer is something hard to juggle.  You have a million scenarios running through your head of how you will interact with women from a variety of backgrounds, creeds, religions etc.  Of course I arrived and although I noticed some women are closer than others (even I found myself rooming with a beloved sister I’ve known for a few years now).  The close bonds amongst established national volunteers is not something to be intimidated by at all!  To me it shows that I too will have a Sigma story that includes those National officers and volunteers but also it is my responsibility to be those welcoming arms to undergraduate (and future alumnae) women

Recent Alumnae:  Understand that Tri-Sigma knows you have the passion for our sisterhood but maybe not the time right now.  Stay involved minimally through an alumnae chapter, paying alumnae dues or serving as a national volunteer (of course I won’t stop you from going above and beyond if it fits into your life).  Sigma doesn’t expect you to do everything and do it now.  Watching the “Sigma by the Numbers” video at Dunham reminded me thousands of women across the nation and even the globe who can help contribute, it is not the responsibility of a few, but all women with membership!  Contribute what you can as often as you are able – that – is acting as a Sigma sister.